Elkhart Rotary Club Meeting January 28, 2019

Welcome to the Elkhart Rotary Club Meeting on a snowy January 28, 2019; Today we welcomed speaker Tom Gjelten, NPR Correspondent, who covers issues of religion, faith, and belief for NPR News.
 

President Peter Norton opened the meeting and introduced Fran Conner, who provided inspirational words, led the Pledge and Four-Way Test. Tom McArthur introduced our guests including Patsy Boehler, executive director of ETHOS and guest of Sherm Hansen.

Important announcements from January 28:

  • Matt Lentsch gave a final, resounding THANK YOU to the club for its 2018 support of the Salvation Army; in total over $45,000 were raised supporting this important community ressource.
  • On behalf of the Marketing Committee, Eric Garton announced that all club speakers are added as Facebook EVENTS, as a way of more easily spreading the word about our club programs. If you're already Facebook friendly, thank you for helping us to "Like", "Share", and "Invite" your friends to our great programs. And if you need help with your social media skills, please ask a member of the committee such as Eric Garton or Erin Wagler, they're happy to help you out!
Today's Sergeant was Dave Neeser, who did a great job of poking some fun to raise some FUNDS! Rotary fines are collected weekly and are pooled into a fund. In the spring approximately $10,000 is distributed as grants to not for profit organizations around our county.
 

Today's speaker was Tom Gjelten, NPR Correspondent, who covers issues of religion, faith, and belief for NPR News. While Tom arrived a bit late because of the snow (and his plane arriving late into SBN), those who were able to stay got a great story of Tom's adventure across the country by bicycle! Tom's journey began at the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, OR and ended 49 days later with a dip in the Atlantic. He recounted, state by state, his experiences riding through our wonderful country. Tom will be in town for several days, speaking at events sponsored by 88.1 WVPE and our own Anthony Hunt, WVPE Station Manager and Elkhart Rotarian!

If you're interested in learning more about this type of trip, visit America By Bicycle at https://americabybicycle.com/

About Rotary:

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, community leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and act to create lasting change – across the globe, in our local communities, and in ourselves. The Elkhart Rotary Club was founded in 1917 and serves its community through volunteerism, providing grants to not-for-profit organizations, sponsoring, and participating in service projects such as ringing bells for the Salvation Army, roadside trash collection, and are the originators and sustainers of Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Elkhart Rotary Club’s membership consists of approximately 150 dedicated individuals from various professional backgrounds and diverse interests. Membership in the Elkhart Rotary Club is by invitation. We welcome guests to attend any of our meetings and hear from our great lineup of weekly presenters.
For more information on the Elkhart Rotary Club, visit elkhartrotary.org or email elkhartnoonrotary@gmail.com. Like and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook/ElkhartRotaryClub to stay current on meetings, upcoming events or speakers, and initiatives in the community.
 
Upcoming Meetings and Programs:
  • February 4: Levon Johnson, President/CEO, Greater Elkhart Chamber
  • February 11: Suzie Weirick, Elkhart County Commissioner
  • February 18: Gavin Ferlic, Elevate Ventures’ Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the South Bend – Elkhart Region
  • February 25: Chris Snyder, Chief of the Elkhart Police Department
Join us for our next meeting:
All meetings are at noon on Mondays at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St. in Elkhart IN, 46514. In months that include a FIFTH Monday, the Elkhart Rotary Club holds a dinner meeting (no presenter) at the same location.